Doug Barthel Sworn in to the State House of Representatives

As the South Dakota lawmakers convened in Pierre Tuesday December 5, the group was witness to the swearing in of Doug Barthel to the state House of Representatives just before Governor Dennis Daugaard's Budget address.

"Doug Barthel is a widely respected public servant," said the Governor. "He will be an excellent legislator and I thank him for continuing his service in this new role."

Barthel was the chief of police of the Sioux Falls Police Department from 2003 to 2015. He retired in 2015 after a thirty year career in law enforcement, and now works as a public affairs specialist at Sanford Health.

Barthel is a graduate of Madison High School and the University of South Dakota. After a year as a correctional officer at the state penitentiary, he began a 30-year career with the Sioux Falls Police Department in 1986. Barthel was appointed chief of police by Sioux Falls Mayor Dave Munson in 2003 and also served during the administration of Mayor Mike Huether.

"I am honored and humbled that the Governor has appointed me to fill this very important role. I always enjoyed working in public service and I look forward to representing the people of District 10 with this new opportunity," Barthel said.

Barthel's position was appointed by Governor Daugaard, replacing Don Haggar, who resigned to lead the state’s chapter of Americans for Prosperity, the conservative advocacy group. The 2018 legislative session begins January 9 and ends in March.